GESY VACCINATION MANUAL

 

VACCINATION MANUAL 

First of all, if you have an elderly friend or neighbour please offer your assistance to help them through the process of registering for the vaccine on the GESY system.  The age brackets change on a regular basis.  There is at least one GP in Paphos who is working very hard to help the older residents through the process, but some are not.   Some of the older residents may be unaware of the vaccination programme, or be sat waiting for a phone call to tell them when their appointment will be.  It may be that some are not GESY registered - in which case please see how they can register for the vaccine at the end of this manual.

Please bear in mind that the portal and medical record can be linked NOW - you do not have to wait for the appropriate age group to be released for appointments. 

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LINKING YOUR PORTAL AND MEDICAL RECORD 

In preparation for rollout of the vaccine programme over the coming months, if you have not already done so, please link your individual portal account with the beneficiary record/beneficiary medical history.  This is an ideal job to do during lockdown.  

To do this [it looks complicated, but once you have the codes to start the process it takes a few minutes]:

1  Make sure you have your GESY User Name and Password to hand

2  Phone your GP and ask them for a verification code [this is Verification Code 1] - after asking some personal questions to check who is calling, they will give you a number over the phone.  This code is valid for 24 hours only.

3 Check your emails - you should have an email from GESY with an additional verification code [this is verification code 2].  There should be a link on this email to your portal on GESY.  Again, this code is valid for 24 hours only.

4 Click on the link [input your GESY user name and password] and you will be asked to input a one off code which will have been sent to you on your mobile phone [you only have a short period of time to use this, 5 minutes, so be prepared]

5 Input under Verification code 1 the code which the GPs surgery gave you over the phone.

6 Input under Verification code 2 the code which was emailed to you.

Your record should then be linked to your beneficiary record/medical history.

You should then be able to see your 'Dashboard' and should have a series of images down the left-hand side of the screen.   To the right of these images you will find your personal data, your GPs details, and you can view your medical record.

 

If you are not sure if your records have been linked, please log onto your GESY account  GESY using your User Name and password.

You will be asked for a one off code which will be sent to you on your mobile phone - you have 5 minutes to use this.

You should then be able to see your records and personal information - and there will be a number of icons shown on the left hand side of the screen, including a syringe [for the vaccination portal].  Once you can see these icons, your records have been linked.

 

GESY LOG IN PROCEDURE TO BOOK FOR VACCINATION

Dates will gradually be released as the vaccine is rolled-out in defined age brackets.  

If your GP created your GESY record, ie you did not create the initial record yourself, it is possible that your GP will book a vaccine appointment for you.  Please check with your GP – the first you may know of it otherwise is when you receive an SMS with an appointment time and date!  

1.      Call up “GESY LOGIN PAGE” on internet.  GESY LOG IN 

2.      Enter your personal Username & Password on Login page, then select “Login”. 

3.      Enter Two-Factor code number received on your mobile phone [valid for 5 minutes only], then select “Confirm”. Remember, you will need to ensure that your beneficiary file has been linked to your medical record before you can proceed further - it is recommended that you organise the links and carry out this process before  you go onto the system to book a vaccine appointment.

 

4.      Before progressing further, on the dashboard page that then opens, confirm from your Beneficiary record / personal details page

·         The registration details of your date of birth.

·         The registration details of your full name. e.g. did you include any middle names.

·         Your original means of registration, i.e. Aliens Registration Certificate or I.D. Card.

·         Your Aliens Registration Certificate Number or I.D Card Number

Please take a written note of the above details to ensure you input them exactly into the system when required.

 

5.      Thereafter Select “Covid 19 Vaccination” from the open Dashboard page

 

This is the disclaimer on the vaccine appointment booking site that you need to be aware of and may need to consult your physician for advice/confirmation:

 

I intend to arrange my COVID-19 vaccination appointment online. The vaccine is used to prevent from COVID-19 disease. It stimulates the body’s natural production of antibodies and the immune system’s response for the protection against the disease.

By arranging this appointment, I hereby confirm that:

• I fully understand the benefits of vaccination and the risks of non-vaccination. As for all medicines and vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is likely to cause side effects, most of which are mild, of short duration and do not occur in all people.
• I understand that in the rare case of anaphylaxis, emergency treatment will be provided to me.
• I understand that I cannot take the vaccine if I am allergic to any of the active substances of the vaccine or any of its other ingredients.

 

I understand that I cannot proceed with the arrangement of a vaccination appointment and with my vaccination for COVID-19 if I do not firstly consult my Personal Doctor, in case that I have at least one of the symptoms below:

• Weakened immunization system, as a result of HIV infection or because of a medicine that I take and which infects my immune system.
• Bleeding problems, easily bruising or use of anticoagulants.
• I have had a severe allergic reaction in the past.
• I am taking or having taken any other medicines or vaccines recently.

 

  After accepting all listed conditions for receiving the vaccination, select “accept and proceed”.

 

7.      On “Book an Appointment” page that then opens - have your written notes from earlier to hand – the information you input must match what is on the GESY system:

·         Fill in first/ middle and last name as previously found on Beneficiary record page

·         Select either ID card or Alien Registration Certificate, from drop down menu

·         Enter Identity Document number as previously found on Beneficiary record page

·         Enter date of Birth as previously found on Beneficiary record page,  e.g 14/04/1930.

·         Select “Search”.

 

8.      On Book an appointment page that then opens

·         Select “Pafos” from the dropdown menu [will be in Greek - Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Πάφου].  There is also an option for Polis -  Γενικο Νοσοκομειο Πολις. 

·         Then select Search       

·        “Pafos “ or Polis once more has to be selected from the dropdown menu, a calendar should be displayed with available hours to book.   Click on the available slot or click on the select date and time button to change.

Request new appointment window appears.  You then have to fill all mandatory fields [appointment time and date, beneficiary's district, mobile phone no and/or email address in the new appointment window and click Confirm Appointment.

The system will then process all input data and will say if the appointment has been booked successfully.   You will also receive an SMS to the mobile no entered confirming the appointment details [in Greek].  There will probably be a time lag between you completing the procedure and an SMS coming through so do not be surprised if you do not get an immediate SMS.

SMS THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

ΕΠΙΒΕΒΑΙΩΣΗ ΠΑΝΤΕΒΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΕΜΒΟΛΙΑΣΜΟ [Day, Date, Time]  ΣΤΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΚΥ ΓΕΝΙΚΟ ΝΟΣΟΚΟΜΕΙΟ ΠΑΦΟΥ

In English, this translates to:

Confirmation of appointment for vaccination [day, date, time] at the centre General Hospital of Paphos

Please also note that you will receive at least one reminder prior to your vaccination appointment by SMS – again this will be in Greek.

      

 

NB.      If you have any doubt about the booking procedure having been completed correctly, you can now freely repeat the process, since there is no possibility of double booking.

The worst that can occur, is that an error notice will be displayed indicating that a further appointment cannot be booked prior to the first vaccine dose being administered.

Remember, if you do not fall into the age category for whom vaccine is available, you will not be able to access the Vaccine system.   You will only be able to gain access if you are making an appointment on behalf of a person who does qualify.

If you try and log into the vaccine portal you will get a message that there is no vaccine available if there are no available slots and you will be unable to proceed further.

 

From experience gained, booking slots initially appear for the forthcoming week at 9am on a Monday morning.  Appointments are booked quickly. 

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER ON THE SAME DAY [providing you are both in the same age group], IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SELECT TIMES A LITTLE LATER IN THE DAY SO HOPEFULLY WHEN YOUR PARTNER GOES THROUGH THE PROCEDURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU, YOU CAN FIND SPACE AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME ON THE RELEVANT DATE.   If you select the early appointments of the day, there is no guarantee that there will be space for your partner when they go through the system.

CANCELLING A VACCINATION APPOINTMENT

This cannot be done on the system.  Please phone 1474

Thanks to John Moffat for the above notes.

 

ATTENDING YOUR VACCINATION APPOINTMENT AT PAPHOS GENERAL HOSPITAL

Please ensure you have with you your GESY paperwork confirming your membership of the scheme, PLUS your MEU1 or MEU3 as photo ID.  If you have ‘belt and braces’, ie driving licence and passport with you as well, then there should be sufficient proof of your identity!  It is also recommended that you wear clothing that can easily and quickly be removed so that the nursing staff have access to your arm and proceedings are not delayed.  A sleeveless top, or one with short loose sleeves that can be rolled up, underneath a coat, say.  If you take medication, it is also recommended that you take a list of these, and dosage, with you as some people have been asked.

So you need with you: 

- GESY paperwork

-MEU1/3 and passport and driving licence

-List of medication taken and dosage

-Wear clothing so the top of your arm is easily accessible

-If you feel the cold, a warm top/blanket, as the corridor can be draughty

Those who are not GESY members, should please have with them a copy of their approval [which it is assumed will show a number] PLUS photo ID as mentioned above. 

Remember please that due to Coronavirus restrictions, entry to the Hospital may only be permitted by the person having the vaccine and, if needed, their helper to assist with mobility issues.      

As you arrive at Paphos General Hospital, please enter using the main door alongside the Coffee Shop.    Take the right-hand corridor and walk past the sign on the left wall which says ‘Adult Vaccination’.  Head for the chairs on the right-hand side of the corridor – on the wall opposite it says Covid 19.  Those who are regular users of the General Hospital will recognise this area as the place where they obtain their Flu vaccines.

It can be cold and draughty on the corridor so it is recommended that you have something warm to wear with you – in addition to the obligatory book and flask!  There have been reports from people being processed before their given appointment time, and others who have had a wait of around 30 minutes.

You will be called in – your temperature taken, you disinfect your hands and you present your paperwork.  You will also be asked if you have any allergies and medication taken.

Once you have had the vaccine, you will be asked to take a seat for a period of time to ensure you have no reaction to the vaccine.  You will be given a card showing the date and time of your second vaccine, and given a leaflet in English which is shown below.   In addition, you will receive an SMS, in Greek, confirming the appointment details.  You will then be told you may leave.

2^ND VACCINE APPOINTMENT

When you attend for your second appointment, you are only requested to show the card given to you after the first vaccine.   However, as procedures can change, it is recommended that you have a form of Photo ID with you – just in case!

 

 

 

ACCESS TO THE GESY USER MANUAL

The manual below can be found on the GESY site - GESY LOG IN

Input your user name and password and you will be sent a one off code on your mobile phone [you will have 5 minutes to use this].  Input this code. 

On the left hand side you will see various images - scroll down to the bottom and click on the ?  

You will then see in the top right hand corner - User Manuals.

Click on User Manuals - and you can then download the manual for Covid-19 vaccine appointment - as shown below.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND SOME MISCONCEPTIONS

 

There appears to be some misinformation circulating. 

1 What is the portal?  I do not know what you are talking about.  The portal is effectively the entrance to the GESY system which is the equivalent of your medical file.   The entrance part of the portal relates to your personal information [name, date of birth, address, contact details].   

The first step that you need to take is to link the portal, ie your personal information, with your medical file online.  Until this has been done, you will not be able to access the vaccine booking system.  There are separate instructions as to how you can link the two records, and there is also a Help guide on the GESY site once you have input your system log-in details to gain access to your personal information.

2  I am waiting for the Government to ring me to tell me when my appointment will be.  The Government will not ring you to tell you when your vaccination appointment will be.   As this is the process in the UK, some think that it applies in Cyprus also.  It does not.  Appointments must be obtained via the GESY system online.  In addition, the Government is currently only inviting appointments from those who are aged 90+.

3 You have to travel to the UK to obtain your vaccination if you are a UK expat.  This is not the case.   Vaccination against Covid will be provided in Cyprus under GESY. 

4 What about the quality of the vaccine?  Before any vaccine is given to any resident, the European Union has a procedure which has to be followed to check the claims of the drug rigorously before they will authorise its use in the EU.  There are then procedures in place to check batches of the vaccine to ensure that standards are maintained. Only EU approved vaccines will be used by any country in the EU.  

5  I am not registered for GESY as I can afford to fund any medical treatment required privately and/or I am not registered as a permanent resident of Cyprus anyway.  If you are not a member of GESY, there is a process to follow so you can obtain a vaccine [see below].   It is not possible to purchase the vaccine separately.   The Covid vaccine is only available through GESY.  You will only be able to arrange an appointment once your application has been approved, AND you fall within the age group being offered the vaccine.  So, if you are 76, you will have to wait for your appointment until the vaccine is opened up to those 75+ but please apply for a permit now as it is not known how long the approval process will take.

6 There is no provision for the vaccine on my GESY record.  Unless you have linked your GESY portal account with your beneficiary record/medical history, you will not be able to move to the next step of booking a vaccine appointment.   The records must be linked to enable you to move to the next stage. Once your records are linked, you will see the vaccine icon [a syringe] on the left hand side of the page.  Remember the system will not allow you to book an appointment unless you fall within the correct age group.

7  7  I am 70 and keep on getting rejected by the system when I try and book an appointment.   This is because vaccination appointments are only being released in stages, for certain age brackets.  The system will block anyone who is under the age of the current age bracket from booking an appointment, although it is possible for a younger person to access the system to book an appointment for someone who is eligible for a vaccination appointment.  

Even though the vaccine is being released gradually, if you have missed your age bracket for some reason, you can log in whenever there is vaccine available and book your appointment.  Once the new age-band is released, anyone over that age who has still to register will still be able to do so, but anyone under the age of the nominated age range will be blocked. 

8  I saw that bookings were available from Monday 18th January, at 9am.   I tried at mid-day and the system told me that there was no vaccine.    As delivery of the vaccine is erratic, appointment slots are only released according to the quantity of vaccine which has been delivered [with half of each delivery being retained for the second dose].  As demand is high, the available slots are being snapped up very quickly.   Keep an eye open for when the next slots will be available [often a Monday or Tuesday at 9am] and aim to be onto the system promptly!   BUT please ensure you have linked your portal account with your beneficiary record/medical history [this can be done now, you don't have to wait until appointment slots are released for your age group] otherwise you will not be able to book an appointment.  

9  My wife and I want to book appointments for the same time.  Is this possible?   Yes - if you both fall in the same age group, but would suggest that you book an appointment later in the day so you can guarantee that the two of you can go at the same time.   If one of you grabs an appointment at, say, 9am, it may be that by the time your partner goes onto the system, all appointments around this time will have gone.  You will both need to access the system either at the same time [if you have two devices] or one immediately after the other.

10  I am unsure if I should be having the vaccine in view of the medication/medical treatment I am taking/undergoing.  What should I do?   It is essential that you speak to your GP/medical practitioner for guidance before you book an appointment.  There is a disclaimer on the system which you will need to read and accept before you can book your appointment.

11  I have a couple of allergies.  Will it be ok for me to have the vaccine?  Again, you must speak to your GP/medical practitioner before you book an appointment.   When you have your appointment you will be asked if you have any allergies before they give you the injection.   If you carry an epi pen, please ensure you have it with you, just in case.

12 I have successfully booked my appointment to have the vaccine.   I understand that I need to have two Covid tests to ensure I do not have the virus before the appointment, and that I have to pay for these tests myself.    Once you have your booked appointment, there is nothing more for you to do.  You certainly do NOT need 2 Covid tests before you can have the vaccine.   When you go for your vaccine appointment, you will need a form of identification with you [passport, ID card, or MEU document [MEU is preferred], plus GESY paperwork].  You will be asked about any allergies, be given the vaccine, and be allocated your appointment for your second and final dose of the vaccine.  If you do have allergies and have an epi pen, it is recommended that you have this with you.    As mentioned in 10 and 11 above, you must check with your doctor if you have any concerns about whether or not you should have the vaccine.

13 Can I have the vaccination at a place of my choice, ie my GPs surgery?  No, vaccinations will only take place at the locations given as options on the GESY system when you book your vaccination.   For Paphos, this will be Paphos General Hospital.    There will be mobile clinics travelling to remote areas.

GESY HELP

GESY Helpline – 17000

GESY email enquiries – info@gesy.org.cy

 

 

OBTAINING THE COVID VACCINATION IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER OF GESY

Citizens not registered on the General Healthcare System’s (GESY) portal who wish to be vaccinated within the framework of the National Vaccinations Plan for Covid-19, must submit a duly completed document to register on Cyprus Portal for Covid-19 Vaccinations.

This form can be found in a downloadable format on the website of the Ministry of Health and the Press and Information Office’s website on coronavirus. - Coronavirus - vaccine

The Document must be submitted together with a copy of the interested party’s Identification Card, Alien Registration Card or other identification document [eg passport], as well as a copy of that person’s medical card, if applicable.

All documents should be sent to the Ministry of Health, by email to covidvac@moh.gov.cy, by post to the following address: 1 Prodromou and 17 Chilonos, 1449 Nicosia, or delivered by hand to the Medical Card Sector, Ministry of Health, 1 Prodromou and 17 Chilonos, Nicosia.

After carrying out a validity check for the application and upon its approval, the Ministry of Health will activate the applicant’s possibility to register on the Covid-19 Vaccinations Portal.  However, you will only be able to book an appointment once you fall within the approved age category.

The applicant will be informed of the Ministry of Health’s decision to approve or reject his/her request, so as to access the Covid-19 Vaccinations Online Portal in order to arrange an appointment for the vaccination, at a Vaccination Centre, at the date and time of his/her convenience - and when the applicant falls into the approved age category.

VACCINE - GENERALLY

As stated in the Communication, COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of a person being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective and it takes a few weeks after the vaccine to create protection from the body.

Therefore, even after vaccination, the person should continue to apply the usual practices of personal cleaning and protection, such as frequent hand washing, maintaining social distance and using a face mask. Some people may be affected by COVID-19 despite having been vaccinated, but vaccination will reduce the severity of any infection.

It is stressed that vaccination with both (2) doses of vaccine is required to reduce the chance of a person being seriously ill or dying. The vaccine may not cause COVID-19 in the vaccinated person.

1. Before leaving the Vaccination Centre after the 1st dose of vaccine, make sure that you have scheduled an appointment for the 2nd dose

2. Better protection is required as you are vaccinated with both (2) doses of the vaccine

3. After administration of the 1st dose you will receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Card which you should present when you come for the 2nd dose of vaccine

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and don't last long and certainly don't happen at all. It is stressed, however, that even if you experience any symptoms after the 1st dose, you should also do the 2nd dose for better protection.

1. What is COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna and what is it used for?

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna is a vaccine for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people aged 18 years and older.

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna contains a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) with instructions for producing a protein from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna does not contain the virus itself and cannot cause COVID-19.

Detailed information about this vaccine is available in the product information, which includes the package leaflet.

 

2. How is COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna used?

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna is given as two injections, usually into the muscle of the upper arm, 28 days apart.

Arrangements for the supply of the vaccine will be the responsibility of national authorities. For more information about using COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna, see the package leaflet or consult a healthcare professional.

 

3. How does COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna work?

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna works by preparing the body to defend itself against COVID-19. It contains a molecule called mRNA which has instructions for making the spike protein. This is a protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which the virus needs to enter the body’s cells.

When a person is given the vaccine, some of their cells will read the mRNA instructions and temporarily produce the spike protein. The person’s immune system will then recognise this protein as foreign and produce antibodies and activate T cells (white blood cells) to attack it.

If, later on, the person comes into contact with SARS-CoV-2 virus, their immune system will recognise it and be ready to defend the body against it.

The mRNA from the vaccine does not stay in the body but is broken down shortly after vaccination.

 

4. What benefits of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna have been shown in studies?

A very large clinical trial showed that COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna was effective at preventing COVID-19 in people from 18 years of age.

The trial involved around 30,000 people in total. Half received the vaccine and half were given dummy injections. People did not know whether they received the vaccine or the dummy injections.

Efficacy was calculated in around 28,000 people from 18 to 94 years of age who had no sign of previous infection.

The trial showed a 94.1% reduction in the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases in the people who received the vaccine (11 out of 14,134 vaccinated people got COVID-19 with symptoms) compared with people who received dummy injections (185 out of 14,073 people who received dummy injections got COVID-19 with symptoms). This means that the vaccine demonstrated a 94.1% efficacy in the trial.

The trial also showed 90.9% efficacy in participants at risk of severe COVID-19, including those with chronic lung disease, heart disease, obesity, liver disease, diabetes or HIV infection.

 

5. Can people who have already had COVID-19 be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

There were no additional side effects in the 343 people who received COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna in the trial and had previously had COVID-19.

There were not enough data from the trial to conclude on how well COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna works for people who have already had COVID-19.

 

6. Can COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna reduce transmission of the virus from one person to another?

The impact of vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna on the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the community is not yet known. It is not yet known how much vaccinated people may still be able to carry and spread the virus.

 

7. How long does protection from COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna last?

It is not currently known how long protection given by COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna lasts. The people vaccinated in the clinical trial will continue to be followed for 2 years to gather more information on the duration of protection.

 

8. Can children be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna is not currently recommended for use in children. EMA has agreed with the company on a plan to conduct trials involving children at a later stage.

 

9. Can immunocompromised people be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

There are limited data on immunocompromised people (people with weakened immune systems). Although immunocompromised people may not respond as well to the vaccine, there are no particular safety concerns. Immunocompromised people can still be vaccinated as they may be at higher risk from COVID-19.

 

10. Can pregnant or breast-feeding women be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

Animal studies do not show any harmful effects in pregnancy, however data on the use of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna during pregnancy are very limited. Although there are no studies on breast-feeding, no risk from breast-feeding is expected.

The decision on whether to use the vaccine in pregnant women should be made in close consultation with a healthcare professional after considering the benefits and risks.

 

11. Can people with allergies be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

People who already know they have an allergy to one of the components  of the vaccine* listed in section 6 of the package leaflet should not receive the vaccine.

Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) have been seen in people receiving the vaccine. A very small number of cases of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) have occurred. Therefore, as for all vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna should be given under close medical supervision, with the appropriate medical treatment available in case of allergic reactions. People who have a severe allergic reaction when they are given the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna should not receive the second dose

* The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine contains the following ingredients: messenger ribonucleic acid
(mRNA), lipids (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG],
cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine,
tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose (US FDA)

 

12. How well does COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna work for people of different ethnicities and genders?

The clinical trial included people of different ethnicities and genders. The high efficacy was maintained across genders and racial and ethnic groups.

 

13. What are the risks associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

The most common side effects with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna in the trial were usually mild or moderate and got better within a few days after vaccination. They included pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, chills, fever, swollen or tender lymph nodes under the arm, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting. They affected more than 1 in 10 people.

Redness, hives and rash at the injection site and rash occurred in less than 1 in 10 people. Itching at the injection site occurred in less than 1 in 100 people. Swelling of the face, which may affect people who had facial cosmetic injections in the past, and weakness in muscles on one side of face (acute peripheral facial paralysis or palsy) occurred rarely, in less than 1 in 1000 people.

Allergic reactions have occurred in people receiving the vaccine, including a very small number of cases of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). As for all vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna should be given under close supervision with appropriate medical treatment available.

 

14. Why has EMA recommended the authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna offers a high level of protection against COVID-19 which is a critical need in the current pandemic. The main trial showed that the vaccine has a 94.1% efficacy. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity and are gone within a few days.

The European Medicines Agency therefore decided that COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be recommended for authorisation in the EU.

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna has been recommended for ‘conditional marketing authorisation’. This means that there is more evidence to come about the vaccine (see below), which the company is required to provide. The Agency will review any new information that becomes available and this overview will be updated as necessary.

 

15. What information is still awaited for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

Since COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna has been recommended for conditional marketing authorisation, the company that markets COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna will continue to provide results from the clinical trial, which is ongoing, for 2 years. This trial and additional studies will provide information on how long protection lasts, how well the vaccine prevents severe COVID-19, how well it protects immunocompromised people, children and pregnant women, and whether it prevents asymptomatic cases.

In addition, independent studies of COVID-19 vaccines coordinated by EU authorities will also give more information on the vaccine’s long-term safety and benefit in the general population.

The company will also carry out studies to provide additional assurance on the pharmaceutical quality of the vaccine as the manufacturing continues to be scaled up.

 

16. What measures are being taken to ensure the safe and effective use of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna?

Recommendations and precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients for the safe and effective use of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna have been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet.

A risk management plan for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna is also in place and contains important information about the vaccine’s safety, how to collect further information and how to minimise any potential risks. A summary of the RMP is available.

Safety measures will be implemented for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna in line with the EU safety monitoring plan for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that new safety information is rapidly collected and analysed. The company that markets COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna will provide monthly safety reports.

As for all medicines, data on the use of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna are continuously monitored. Suspected side effects reported with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna are carefully evaluated and any necessary action taken to protect patients. 

17. Other information about COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna

COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna was recommended by EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) on 6 January 2021 for a conditional marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU. The European Commission will issue a decision shortly.

Detailed recommendations for the use of this product are described in the product information, which will be available in all official European Union languages after a decision on the marketing authorisation has been issued by the European Commission.

Common side effects of the COVID-19 mRNA Moderna vaccine include:

• local sensitivity/swelling/redness at the vaccination site

• shivering

• feeling tired

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• muscle pain (myalgia) or joint pain (arthralgia)

• feeling of fever

• swelling of the glands (lymphadenopathy)

Symptoms usually last less than a week. However, if your symptoms appear to be worsening or if you are concerned contact your Personal Physician.

It is recalled that any suspected or suspected adverse reactions presented to those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should be reported through the National Adverse Reaction Reporting System to Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health, by submitting the Yellow Card in the following ways:

- Electronic submission: http://www.kitrinikarta.gov.cy

- Printed shipment of the Yellow Card available from the Website of Pharmaceutical Services:

https://www.moh.gov.cy/phs

• By post (free of charge): Pharmacovigilance Unit, Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health

CY-1475, Nicosia, phone 22608607

• Submission by fax to +357 2260866

Source: eyenews

COMIRNATY - PFIZER-BioNTech VACCINE

The health ministry on Thursday issued a Q&A answering frequently asked questions about Comirnaty, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine currently administered in Cyprus.

The Q&A was based on questions most often asked to health visitors and healthcare professionals who carry out the vaccinations.

“In view of the beginning of the second phase of vaccinations, these are considered questions that concern people,” the ministry said.

Among other things, the ministry said that it is a myth that the vaccine will change people’s genetic code, while the use of mask and other protective measures will still be necessary for quite some time despite vaccinations.

Comirnaty is given to adults and adolescents from 16 years of age and older. The vaccine causes the immune system (the body’s natural defences) to produce antibodies and blood cells that work against the virus, so giving protection against Covid-19. As Comirnaty does not contain the virus to produce immunity, it cannot give people Covid-19.

 

1. To what extent can Comirnaty offer protection against the virus and for how long?

About 95 per cent protection. The duration of the protection provided by Comirnaty is currently unknown as it is still being determined by ongoing clinical trials.

Individuals vaccinated during the clinical trial will continue to be monitored for two years to gather more information about the duration of protection.

 

2. Will I develop the disease after vaccination?

None of the Covid-19 vaccines licensed in the EU use the live virus caused by Covid-19. The goal of vaccination is to teach our immune system how to recognise and fight the virus that causes Covid-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

 

3. Do vaccines protect against the virus or the infection it causes?

Initially, clinical trials were designed to record the percentage of volunteers who show symptoms of the disease. This leaves open the possibility for some vaccinated people to become infected without showing symptoms and thus spread the virus unknowingly, even though they are themselves protected. Until sufficient data is collected for this parameter, the use of the masks should continue.

 

4. What happens if someone gets sick between the two doses?

If they develop symptoms before the day of the second dose, it should be postponed and administered after they recover, in consultation with their doctor.

 

5. What is the security data of Comirnaty?

Like all vaccines, Comirnaty can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Very common side effects that may affect more than 1 in 10 people concern pain and swelling in injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, fever.

Common side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10 people: injection site redness, nausea. Uncommon side effects that may affect up to 1 in 100 people: enlarged lymph nodes, feeling unwell, pain in limb, insomnia, injection site itching.

Allergic reactions have occurred with Comirnaty, including a very small number of cases of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) observed when Comirnaty was used in vaccination campaigns.

As with all vaccines, Comirnaty should be administered under close supervision and with appropriate available medical treatment.

 

6. In which population groups is the Comirnaty vaccine contraindicated, based on the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) announcements?

The Comirnaty vaccine is not currently recommended for children under 16 years of age and for people with known allergies to the vaccine ingredients. Relevant studies will follow for children.

 

7. Can the vaccine protect from the mutations in the virus?

The known mutations in the spike protein (which concerns us since it is the ‘tool’ of vaccines) are not going to significantly change the effectiveness of the vaccines. Vaccines develop multiple antibodies to different regions of the whole protein and not to a specific one, whose structure and configuration may have changed due to the mutation. Think of this protein as a 1273-letter word. Its meaning does not change if there are some deletions or letter replacements. The mutation highlights the benefits of new mRNA vaccines that can be adapted quickly. So, in a potentially significant mutation we may have a new vaccine in a few weeks. But it is reassuring that this virus is not very ‘active’ in mutations. However, it is important to limit the transmission of the virus and end the pandemic, because the longer the virus continues to circulate, the greater the chances of a new critical mutation occurring.

8. What are the differences between mRNA technology and ‘traditional’ vaccine technology? Is it related to DNA?

In clinical trials there are more than 60 candidate vaccines. They use ten different techniques. The mRNA technique is one of them. It is a technique that is first used in vaccines, since ways have been found to utilise it after 30 years of research.

It is a myth that the vaccine will change our genetic code. Vaccines help to develop the body’s defences against viruses and germs. Some new generation vaccines carry the message (hence the name messengers) so that the body can produce a virus protein. This production takes place far away in another part of the cell from where the genetic material is located. mRNA vaccines do not carry the coronavirus to us and do not affect or interact with our DNA.

Our immune system will recognise the virus protein as a ‘foreign body’ and begin the process of immune response.

The mRNA is rapidly degraded by transmitting information, while our body has mechanisms in place to deal with and destroy the free-foreign mRNA.

Many traditional vaccines use parts of viruses or whole viruses that are either dead or weakened.

9. What are the warnings and precautions for using Comirnaty?

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given the vaccine if:

• you have ever had a severe allergic reaction or breathing problems after any other vaccine injection or after you were given Comirnaty in the past.
• you have ever fainted following any needle injection.
• you have a severe illness or infection with high fever. However, you can have your vaccination if you have a mild fever or upper airway infection like a cold.
• you have a bleeding problem, you bruise easily or you use a medicine to prevent blood-clots.
• you have a weakened immune system, because of a disease such as HIV infection or a medicine such as corticosteroid that affects your immune system

10. Can people with allergies be vaccinated with Comirnaty?

Comirnaty should not be given if you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine:

((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate) (ALC-0315), 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide (ALC-0159), 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), Cholesterol, Potassium chloride, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Sodium chloride, Disodium phosphate dihydrate, Sucrose, Water for injections.

A very small number of severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) have been observed in vaccinated individuals.

In the United States, the CDC reports that the incidence of these events is 11.1 per million vaccine doses, and that 71 per cent of cases occur within the first 15 minutes of the vaccine administration.

People who have a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of Comirnaty should not take the second dose.

11. Based on the quantities of vaccines that Cyprus will receive from various companies, will it be possible for someone to choose which vaccine to use?

This probably cannot be done based on availability. All vaccines are approved on the basis of safety and efficacy, so there is no criterion of superiority. Only when there is a specific contraindication for a vaccine what is indicated should be made. But at the moment we only have one vaccine.

12. Can the second dose be with the vaccine of another company?

Individuals receiving one dose of Comirnaty should receive a second dose of Comirnaty to complete the vaccination cycle. No data are available on the interchangeability of Comirnaty with other Covid-19 vaccines to complete the vaccination cycle.

13. Can I get vaccinated with Comirnaty if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines, or have recently taken any other vaccines. Especially in case of using another vaccine such as flu, the vaccination should be done with a window of 14 days.

14. Does the vaccine affect the ability to drive and use machines?

Some of the effects of the vaccine (possible side effects, such as pain, myalgia, headache, etc.) may temporarily affect your ability to drive or use machines. Wait until these effects subside before driving or operating machinery.

15. I plan on getting pregnant. Can I be vaccinated?

There is limited experience with use of Comirnaty in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryo/foetal development, parturition or post-natal development.

Administration of Comirnaty in pregnancy should only be considered when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks for the mother and foetus.

Although there are no studies on breastfeeding, no risk is expected.

Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity.

16. Can a person with beta thalassemia who is taking iron deficiency drugs be vaccinated?

There is no contraindication.

17. 
    Can a person with heart disease get the vaccine?

Yes, but always with the advice of their doctor, as in any other case.

18. Can immunocompromised individuals be vaccinated with Comirnaty?

Data on immunocompromised individuals (individuals with a weakened immune system) are limited. Although immunocompromised individuals may not respond equally well to the vaccine, there are no particular safety concerns. Immunocompromised individuals can be vaccinated, as they may be at higher risk for Covid-19.

19. Can an oncology patient receiving chemotherapy be vaccinated?

Yes, but it is a decision they need to make with their doctor depending on their condition.

20. Can people with G6PD deficiency get the vaccine?

There is no relevant contraindication.

21. Does the appearance of the vaccine mean a return to ‘normality’?

No. Until the community acquires immunity, the measures of personal protection and hygiene will accompany us, in a different degree of course.

22. I’m allergic to penicillin, can I get vaccinated?

Yes. The vaccine does not contain penicillin.

23. I have coagulation disorders, can I get vaccinated?

As with other intramuscular injections, the vaccine should be used with caution in people receiving anticoagulant therapy or those with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder (such as hemophilia) because bleeding or bruising may occur after intramuscular administration to these individuals.

24. I got coronavirus a month ago but I was completely asymptomatic. Do you advise me to get the vaccine?

Yes, studies show that asymptomatic people do not have high levels of protection against physical illness.

No additional adverse reactions were observed in the 545 subjects who received Comirnaty in the trial and had previously had Covid-19.

There is insufficient data from the study to suggest how well Comirnaty works in people already infected with Covid-19.

25. I already have coronavirus, does it make sense to get vaccinated at this stage? Would it be better to test my antibodies with antibody tests first?

Because of the serious health risks associated with Covid-19 and the fact that a new Covid-19 infection is possible, you should be vaccinated, regardless of whether you have already been infected with the virus.

At present, experts do not know how long one is protected from getting sick again after recovering from Covid-19. The degree of immunity that one acquires from an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests that natural immunity may not last long.

Vaccination is recommended regardless of the history of Covid disease.

26. Before I get the vaccine would it be wise to take a rapid test so that we can be sure that I am not positive for the coronavirus and any disease not attributed to the vaccine?

No pre-vaccination test is required.

The vaccine cannot develop the disease, as it does not contain live virus.

If someone is found positive either by PCR or a rapid test, then the vaccination should be postponed, as it should also be postponed in people with acute severe febrile illness or acute infection.

The presence of a mild infection and/or a low-grade fever should not delay vaccination. If someone is positive then they should postpone the vaccination until they recover. Once the test is negative, the vaccine can be given.

27. How will the Vaccination Certificates work?

A common approach to pharmacovigilance and the issuance of reliable and verifiable Vaccination Certificates across the EU could enhance the success of vaccination schemes in the member states, as well as public confidence.

Recording vaccination data is important at both the individual and population levels. At the individual level, it is a means for people to know and prove their vaccination status.

From the moment of vaccination people will be provided with the Vaccination Card, while a relevant certificate will be issued by the vaccination platform. Vaccination certificates could, for example, be useful in travel, as they would prove that a person has been vaccinated and therefore may not need to be tested and quarantined when arriving in another country.

28. When will the vaccine be able to control the pandemic?

For some known communicable diseases, it is estimated that in order to achieve herd immunity that can control a pandemic and eventually eradicate the disease, approximately 70 per cent of the population must be protected from the disease either by vaccination or by prior infection. Depending on the rate of vaccination and natural infections, the pandemic could be brought under control in Europe by the end of 2021.

 

More information on Cominarty may be found here.

ASTRAZENECA

Combined results from 4 clinical trials in the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa showed that COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca was safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 in people from 18 years of age. These studies involved around 24,000 people altogether. Half received the vaccine and half were given another control injection, either a dummy injection or another vaccine. People did not know if they had been given the vaccine or the control injection.

The safety of the vaccine has been demonstrated across the four studies. However, the Agency based its calculation of how well the vaccine worked on the results from study COV002 (conducted in the UK) and study COV003 (conducted in Brazil). The other two studies had fewer than 6 COVID-19 cases in each, which was not enough to measure the preventive effect of the vaccine. In addition, as the vaccine is to be given as two standard doses, and the second dose should be given 4 to 12 weeks after the first, the Agency concentrated on results involving people who received this standard regimen.

These showed a 59.6% reduction in the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases in people given the vaccine (68 of 5,494 got COVID-19 with symptoms) compared with people given control injections (164 of 5,438 got COVID-19 with symptoms). This means that the vaccine demonstrated around a 60% efficacy in the clinical trials.

Most of the participants in these studies were between 18 and 55 years old. There are not yet enough results in older participants (over 55 years old) to provide a figure for how well the vaccine will work in this group. However, protection is expected, given that an immune response is seen in this age group and based on experience with other vaccines; as there is reliable information on safety in this population, EMA’s scientific experts considered that the vaccine could be used in older adults. More information is expected from ongoing studies, which include a higher proportion of elderly participants.

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is given as two injections into the arm, 4 to 12 weeks apart. The most common side effects with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca were usually mild or moderate and got better within a few days after vaccination. The most common side effects are pain and tenderness at the injection site, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, general feeling of being unwell, chills, fever, joint pain and nausea. The safety and effectiveness of the vaccine will continue to be monitored as it is used across the EU, through the EU pharmacovigilance system and additional studies by the company and by European authorities.

Where to find more information

The product information approved by the CHMP for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca contains prescribing information for healthcare professionals, a package leaflet for members of the public and details of conditions of the vaccine’s authorisation.

An assessment report with details of EMA’s evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, and the full risk management plan, will be published within days. Clinical trial data submitted by the company in the application for marketing authorisation will be published on the Agency’s clinical data website in due course.

More information is available in an overview of the vaccine in lay language, including a description of the vaccine’s benefits and risks and why EMA recommended its authorisation in the EU.

How COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca works

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is expected to work by preparing the body to defend itself against infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This virus uses proteins on its outer surface, called spike proteins, to enter the body’s cells and cause disease.

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is made up of another virus (of the adenovirus family) that has been modified to contain the gene for making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The adenovirus itself cannot reproduce and does not cause disease. Once it has been given, the vaccine delivers the SARS-CoV-2 gene into cells in the body. The cells will use the gene to produce the spike protein. The person’s immune system will treat this spike protein as foreign and produce natural defences − antibodies and T cells − against this protein. If, later on, the vaccinated person comes into contact with SARS-CoV-2, the immune system will recognise the virus and be prepared to attack it: antibodies and T cells can work together to kill the virus, prevent its entry into the body’s cells and destroy infected cells, thus helping to protect against COVID-19.

Conditional marketing authorisation

The European Commission will now fast-track the decision-making process to grant a decision on the conditional marketing authorisation for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, allowing vaccination programmes to be rolled out across the EU.

EU legislation foresees that conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) is used as the fast-track authorisation procedure to speed up approval of treatments and vaccines during public health emergencies.

A CMA guarantees that the vaccine meets rigorous EU standards for safety, efficacy and quality and is manufactured and controlled in approved, certified facilities in line with high pharmaceutical standards that are compatible with large-scale commercialisation. CMAs allow for the authorisation of medicines that fulfil an unmet medical need on the basis of less complete data than normally required. This happens if the benefit of a medicine or vaccine’s immediate availability to patients outweighs the risk inherent in the fact that not all the data are yet available. However, the data must show that the benefits of the medicine or vaccine outweigh any risks.

Once a CMA has been granted, AstraZeneca must provide further data from ongoing studies within pre-defined deadlines to confirm that the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. The company will also carry out studies to provide additional assurance on the pharmaceutical quality of the vaccine following the scaling-up of the manufacturing.

Monitoring the safety of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

In line with the EU’s safety monitoring plan for COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca will be closely monitored and subject to several activities that apply specifically to COVID-19 vaccines. Although large numbers of people have received COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials, certain side effects may only emerge when millions of people are vaccinated.

Companies are required to provide monthly safety reports in addition to the regular updates required by the legislation and conduct studies to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines as they are used by the public. In addition, independent studies of COVID-19 vaccines coordinated by EU authorities will also give more information on the vaccine’s long-term safety and benefit in the general population.

These measures will allow regulators to swiftly assess data emerging from a range of different sources and take appropriate regulatory action to protect public health if needed

Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

During the assessment COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, the CHMP had the support of EMA’s safety committee, PRAC, who assessed the risk management plan of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, and the COVID-19 EMA pandemic task force (COVID-ETF), a group that brings together experts from across the European medicines regulatory network to facilitate rapid and coordinated regulatory action on medicines and vaccines for COVID-19.

Answer to frequently-asked questions on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant])

1. What is COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and what is it used for? 

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is a vaccine for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people aged 18 years and older. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is made up of another virus (of the adenovirus family) that has been modified to contain the gene for making a protein from SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca does not contain the virus itself and cannot cause COVID-19. Detailed information about this vaccine is available in the product information, which includes the package leaflet. 

2. How is COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca used?

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is given as two injections, usually into the muscle of the upper arm, 4 to 12 weeks apart. Arrangements for the supply of the vaccine will be the responsibility of national authorities. For more information about using COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, see the package leaflet or consult a healthcare professional. 

3. How does COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca work? 

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca works by preparing the body to defend itself against COVID-19. It is made up of another virus (adenovirus) that has been modified to contain the gene for making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This is a protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which the virus needs to enter the body’s cells. Once it has been given, the vaccine delivers the SARS-CoV-2 gene into cells in the body. The cells will use the gene to produce the spike protein. The person’s immune system will then recognise this protein as foreign and produce antibodies and activate T cells (white blood cells) to attack it. If, later on, the person comes into contact with SARS-CoV-2 virus, their immune system will recognise it and be ready to defend the body against it. The adenovirus in the vaccine cannot reproduce and does not cause disease. 

4. What benefits of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca have been shown in studies? 

Combined results from 4 clinical trials in the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa showed that COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca was safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 in people from 18 years of age. These studies involved around 24,000 people altogether. Half received the vaccine and half were given another control injection, either a dummy injection or another vaccine. People did not know if they had been given the vaccine or the control injection. 

The Agency based its calculation of how well the vaccine worked on the results from study COV002 (conducted in the UK) and study COV003 (conducted in Brazil). The other two studies had fewer than 6 COVID-19 cases occurring in each, which was not enough to measure the preventive effect of the vaccine. In addition, as the vaccine is to be given as two standard doses, and the second dose should be given 4 to 12 weeks after the first, the Agency concentrated on results involving people who received this standard regimen. These showed a 59.6% reduction in the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases in people given the vaccine (68 of 5,494 got COVID-19 with symptoms) compared with people given control injections (164 of 5,438 got COVID-19 with symptoms). This means that the vaccine demonstrated around a 60% efficacy in the clinical trials.

Most of the participants in these studies were between 18 and 55 years old. There were not enough results in older participants (over 55 years old) to provide a figure for how well the vaccine will work in this group. However, protection is expected, given that an immune response is seen in this age group and based on experience with other vaccines; as there is reliable information on safety in this population, EMA’s scientific experts considered that the vaccine could be used in older adults. More information is expected from ongoing studies, which include a higher proportion of elderly participants.

 5. Can people who have already had COVID-19 be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

There were no additional side effects in the 185 people who received COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in the trial and had previously had COVID-19. There were not enough data from the trial to conclude on how well COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca works for people who have already had COVID-19. 

6. Can COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca reduce transmission of the virus from one person to another? 

The impact of vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca on the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the community is not yet known. It is not yet known how much vaccinated people may still be able to carry and spread the virus. 

7. How long does protection from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca last? 

It is not currently known how long protection given by COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca lasts. The people vaccinated in the clinical trials will continue to be followed for 1 year to gather more information on the duration of protection. 

8. Can children be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is not currently recommended for use in children.  EMA has agreed with the company on a plan to conduct trials involving children at a later stage.

9. Can immunocompromised people be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

There are limited data on immunocompromised people (people with weakened immune systems). Although immunocompromised people may not respond as well to the vaccine, there are no particular safety concerns. Immunocompromised people can still be vaccinated as they may be at higher risk from COVID-19. 

10.Can pregnant or breast-feeding women be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

Preliminary animal studies do not show any harmful effects in pregnancy, however data on the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca during pregnancy are very limited. Although there are no studies on breast-feeding, no risk from breast-feeding is expected. The decision on whether to use the vaccine in pregnant women should be made in close consultation with a healthcare professional after considering the benefits and risks. 

11.Can people with allergies be vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

People who already know they have an allergy to one of the components of the vaccine listed in section 6 of the package leaflet should not receive the vaccine. Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) have been seen in people receiving the vaccine. A very small number of cases of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) have occurred. Therefore, as for all vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca should be given under close medical supervision, with the appropriate medical treatment available in case of allergic reactions. People who have a severe allergic reaction when they are given the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca should not receive the second dose. 

12.How well does COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca work for people of different ethnicities and genders? 

The clinical trial included people of different ethnicities and genders. The efficacy was maintained across genders and ethnic groups. 

13.What are the risks associated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca?

The most common side effects with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in the trials were usually mild or moderate and got better within a few days after vaccination. The most common side effects are pain and tenderness at the injection site, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, general feeling of being unwell, chills, fever, joint pain and nausea. They affected more than 1 in 10 people. Vomiting and diarrhoea occurred in less than 1 in 10 people. Decreased appetite, dizziness, sweating, abdominal pain and rash occurred in less than 1 in 100 people. Allergic reactions have occurred in people receiving the vaccine, including a very small number of cases of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). As for all vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca should be given under close supervision with appropriate medical treatment available. 

14.Why has EMA recommended the authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca offers a good level of protection against COVID-19 which is a critical need in the current pandemic. The main trials showed that the vaccine has around 60% efficacy. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity and are gone within a few days. 

The European Medicines Agency therefore decided that COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be recommended for authorisation in the EU. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca has been recommended for ‘conditional marketing authorisation’. This means that there is more evidence to come about the vaccine (see below), which the company is required to provide. The Agency will review any new information that becomes available and this overview will be updated as necessary. 

15.What information is still awaited for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

Since COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca has been recommended for conditional marketing authorisation, the company that markets COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca will continue to provide results from the clinical trials, which are ongoing. These trials and additional studies will provide information on how long protection lasts, including against new variants of the virus, how well the vaccine prevents severe COVID-19, how well it protects older people, immunocompromised people, children and pregnant women, and whether it prevents asymptomatic cases. 

In addition, independent studies of COVID-19 vaccines coordinated by EU authorities will also give more information on the vaccine’s long-term safety and benefit in the general population. The company will also carry out studies to provide additional assurance on the pharmaceutical quality and testing of the vaccine as the manufacturing continues to be scaled up. 

16.What measures are being taken to ensure the safe and effective use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca? 

Recommendations and precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients for the safe and effective use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca have been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet. A risk management plan for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is also in place and contains important information about the vaccine’s safety, how to collect further information and how to minimise any potential risks. 

A summary of the RMP is available. Safety measures will be implemented for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in line with the EU safety monitoring plan for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that new safety information is rapidly collected and analysed. The company that markets COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca will provide monthly safety reports. As for all medicines, data on the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are continuously monitored. Suspected side effects reported with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are carefully evaluated and any necessary action taken to protect patients. 

17.Other information about COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

 AstraZeneca was recommended by EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) on 29 January 2021 for a conditional marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU. The European Commission will issue a decision shortly. Detailed recommendations for the use of this product are described in the product information, which will be available in all official European Union languages after a decision on the marketing authorisation has been issued by the European Commission.